UC Santa Cruz – Big Creek Reserve

Working with the Conservation Biology Department, Levy Art + Architecture has proposed and developed designs for a living classroom, scientific research housing and staff housing on the 7000 acre Natural Reserve site. In addition to developing an appropriate architectural language, we have coordinated a project team to create a complete, stand alone facility that is self-powering, and environmentally neutral in terms of water supply and wastewater disposal. The level of difficulty is increased by the close proximity to the pristine Big Creek and its riparian zone. Budget constraints were extreme as we were asked to develop two, separate sites, that each required complete infrastructure for water, power, wastewater, road and fire access, as well as protection for sensitive environments and species. We have worked through a rigorous UC process and created an exemplary architectural response.